Joshua A. Andler wrote:
It ties into the argument I had originally that some people think relationally (unit-wise) to whatever they're working with. If one is working in inches, centimeters, or pixels, it helps to have every thing that deals with units (in general) work in a uniform manner. If I have my document set to inches, grid set to inches, can use the transform dialog with inches, and (as it ties to the document-wide unit) my rulers show inches as well... doesn't it make sense to have inches available for snapping (especially with the new snapping types)? That's the only thing I'm trying to communicate.
I would have to agree with this, as a designer it is absolutely essential for me to know precise measurements that I may wish to reuse in, say, a suite of stationery and then send to a printer's. My printer may also call and question dimensions within a document - although it is rare, it could have been an eventuality in the last piece of work I produced, making a set of corporate banners and display signage which was set up on a kind of 'easel'. On both the hanging sign and the easel stand piece I had to be sure to avoid covering areas of the document which were to contain punch-holes. Snapping my document to exact inches or, in this case, millimetres, was essential.
I've been meaning to introduce myself to the list and say hi, but this thread seems an appropriate time - I joined initially in late 2004 while writing a review for Linux User and Developer magazine of GNU/Linux graphics software and its current potential for usability within a professional design environment. I rated Inkscape highly. Since then I've been away from the list for a while but decided I would like to rejoin, as my interests in joining was also to test the program and possibly contribute some constructive comments from the point of view of its use as part of a designer's suite.
This arose out of a discussion with RMS on the 'clunky' and counter-intuitive feel of many GNU/Linux graphics programs to designers; many others are very obviously written from a coder's point of view with menus obfuscated within the program and a counterintuitive interface. His words to me were - how is a coder to know what a designer needs unless you tell them? I was glad that I had found a way in which a non-coder could finally contribute to the Free Software community.
I must say that Inkscape made quite an impression on me even a year ago when I wrote my review - it is one of the few programs that combine both versatility and the intuitive feel which a designer needs; we need to feel that the interface is either invisible, or fits like a glove, not hindering our flow of ideas. I'd describe Inkscape as being in the latter category; its versatility means there is much to explore in the use of the interface. And I've got a lot to explore and a hell of a lot of catching up to do - even though verbal thinking isnt my natural realm, I'm impressed by the metadata page which looks interesting to explore.
Well.. I digress... but I'd just like to say hi to everyone, and hope that my comments and testing might be useful to your development work.
In my opinion, you have done a phenomenal job of simplifying the document properties dialog. It's clean, organized, and in general it makes much more sense and you can find things where you would expect them. I for one am greatly appreciative for the work you've put into this and sorry if it came across otherwise.
I must second this; as I said above, coming back to Inkscape after some months focusing on other work, I'm impressed at the improvements in usability of the entire program. There was a lot more to explore, but it was easy to pick up (unlike Adobe, actually ;p )....
best,
mC~